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  • UNVolunteers

    Communication Officer

    UNVolunteers

    The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. We work with partners to integrate qualified, highly motivated and well supported UN Volunteers into deve

    Job Summary

    • Posted Date Dec, 08
    • Expire Date expired
    • Category Communication/advocacy
    • Location Nairobi
    • Type Internship
    • Education Degree
    • Experience 5 - 6 years
    • Salary Unspecified

    Job Description

    DetailsMission and objectives

    The humanitarian crisis in Somalia is among the most complex and long-standing in the world. Cycles of internal conflict and widespread violence have fragmented the country, undermine development efforts and perpetuate high levels of humanitarian needs and protection concerns. These are further exacerbated by increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters. Some 5.9 million people need humanitarian assistance, of whom 2.9 million are internally displaced persons (IDPs). Many IDPs have been displaced from their homes for decades. They are marginalized and at risk of forced evictions, discrimination and pervasive gender-based violence (GbV). Female-headed households within internally displaced communities are particularly exposed to high risks of sexual exploitation and abuse, with limited recourse to due process and psycho-social support. Conflict and insecurity in southern and central Somalia significantly increased during the first quarter of 2021, driving cycles of displacement, disruptions to livelihood activities, and constraints on trade and humanitarian access. More than 492,000 people were displaced across the country between January and June 2021, primarily due to conflict (73 per cent). The increase in conflict during this period is attributed to both increased insurgent activity and political instability; the relationship and tensions between the Federal Government and Federal Member States are increasingly driving insecurity and needs. OCHA Somalia continues to advocate for enhanced collaboration with development and stability actors with a view to break the cycle of crises and end humanitarian needs. However, given the volatile political context and the election process, risks related to COVID-19 and the gradual withdrawal of the African Union Mission, as well as uncertainty regarding the level of engagement of development and resilience actors in Somalia, it is unlikely that humanitarian needs will substantially decrease in the coming years.

    Context

    Somalia's humanitarian crisis is driven by armed conflict, insecurity, and recurrent climate shocks, combined with political and socioeconomic factors. The impact of COVID-19 and the worst Desert Locust upsurge in decades further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable Somalis. Currently, Somalia is on the brink of famine following the historic failure of four consecutive rainy seasons, persistent conflict, displacement, and high food prices. In September, food security experts projected that famine would occur between October and December 2022 in two districts in the Bay region if humanitarian assistance is not urgently scaled up and sustained. Several areas in central and southern Somalia also face an increased risk of famine if the 2022 Deyr rainy season fails, and food assistance does not reach the most vulnerable. OCHA's role is to coordinate effective and principled inter-agency humanitarian response and ensure that relief assistance reaches the people who need it in a timely manner. In line with OCHA's global mission, OCHA Somalia continues to: • Advocate for access to basic services, especially water, sanitation, education, and health for vulnerable communities, including the collection, analysis and dissemination of information to humanitarian partners, and negotiation of access. • Support the government efforts and humanitarian organizations in seeking durable solutions for internally displaced and return. • Support Government efforts in dealing with the ongoing drought and building the capacity of Government focal points on humanitarian issues • Coordinate the implementation of humanitarian response in Somalia with UN agencies and programmes, national and international NGOs, and local authorities/communities as appropriate, with focus on strengthening the cluster approach.

    Task description

    Under the direct supervision of the Deputy SHF Fund Manager and the overall guidance of the SHF Fund Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: I. Fund Management and Coordination: • Conduct periodic field visits to showcase the achievements of projects funded by the SHF and liaise when necessary with relevant other OCHA Somalia units, OCHA HQ sections i.e. DRS, DVU, CBPF section) • Support with communication during the allocation process to all stakeholders, including cluster coordinators, partners, OCHA colleagues, and donors • Liaise with and provide necessary support to recipient organizations of the Fund on matters related to communication and visibility. • Support with coordination and information exchange with humanitarian donors aiming to promote coordinated and complementary use of funds. II. Monitoring, Reporting and Evaluation: • Support in the preparation of the SHF Annual Report • Contribute to timely reporting on the activities of the Fund to relevant stakeholders • Assist in the preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies in consultation with relevant sections. III. Analysis, communication, information management and public information: • Supporting the Head of the Humanitarian Financing Unit with the implementation of communications and external relations activities of the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) • Preparing and delivering regular public information content that feature the implementation and impact of CERF/SHF-funded projects and interventions, including human interest stories, audio visual materials, text etc. across multiple platforms (website, bulletins, dashboards, and reports, social media) • Preparing donor communications materials upon request, including briefing materials, presentations, and infographics on SHF and other humanitarian financing issues (Humanitarian Response Plan funding status etc.) •Developing content for the web site and social media platforms (Twitter and Facebook) via communication with and engagement of donors, partners, beneficiaries, and general public • Research, analyze, and present SHF and broader humanitarian financing in-formation, in particular funding trends and requirements, gathered from diverse sources. • Work closely with the OCHA Somalia communications and Information Management team as well as communications colleagues from partner agencies to raise the visibility of the Somalia humanitarian crisis as well as ongoing responses to the needs of affected people • Preparing funding dashboards and snapshots • Perform other duties as assigned by the Fund Manager and OCHA Deputy Head of Office.

    Skills and Qualifications

    Required experience

    5 years of experience in the field of communication, donor relations and information management. •Project programming/implementation experience required especially in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable. Experience with the UN common system is desirable. •Excellent computer skill (MS Office) and proficiency with graphic software and publishing tools required(Adobe Creative suite etc.).

    Area(s) of expertise

    Communication, Development programmes

    Driving license

    -

    Languages

    English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

    Required education level

    Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communications, political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering earth sciences or a related field

    Competencies and values

    • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to [UNOCHA’s]; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to [UNOCHA] procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and [UNOCHA] in daily activities and behaviors' while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviors'; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNOCHA’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

    Attachments

    How to apply

    Other informationLiving conditions and remarks

    Nairobi, Kenya security risk level is low to medium. The security situation within Nai-robi is calm in most areas. Risks to personnel are reduced by adherence to UN se-curity guidelines, instructions and mitigating measures. Crime rate causes some cause for concern. It is mandatory for all personnel to receive a security briefing up-on arrival.

    Inclusivity statement

    United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

    Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

    Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy

    Office Nairobi

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